QPR must replicate Loftus Road form for Chelsea trip, says Hughes

Mark Hughes has challenged Queens Park Rangers to replicate their outstanding performances at Loftus Road when they make the short trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

QPR are just a point clear of 18th-placed Bolton Wanderers and face a daunting test against Champions League finalists Chelsea, with the Hoops without a victory in 11 games on the road.

The 48-year-old manager believes QPR have given themselves a chance of top-flight survival with wins against Arsenal, Swansea and Tottenham Hotspur, and hopes the small travelling distance to their London neighbours can work in their favour.

“In recent weeks we’ve shown what we’re capable of, and when we get it right, we’re a good team,” said Hughes.

“We’ve got the issue of our away form; we haven’t been able to hit the right levels away from Loftus Road.

“We’ve got two difficult away games and we want to address that. We want to try and get some positive results out of those two games if we can.

“It’s very difficult for us but that’s our intention and our belief. We’ve been playing well at home but we’ve got to be able to transfer that to our away travels.

“It’s not a case of travelling miles and miles – it’s turning up down the road so maybe that will help us.”

Despite the off-field distractions surrounding Chelsea captain John Terry, Hughes is eagerly anticipating a competitive London derby with QPR battling to avoid relegation and the Blues looking to finish in the top four to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.

“We’re all looking forward to it,” added Hughes. “It’s a great local derby.

“We’re in a situation where we’re looking to get points from a very difficult fixture and Chelsea are going for Champions League places. [They’ll be on] a high obviously given the events of this week which were fantastic for them.

“So all in all, I would expect it to be a very good football match.”